Maulik Pancholy knows just what he wants in audiobooks

Mysteries with humor, a nod to South Asian culture, and LGBTQIA+ characters are a must.

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Maulik Pancholy

Note: This post was originally published on Audible.com.

I’m always looking for a tightly wound mystery that also makes me laugh, great South Asian-forward content, and stories that reflect the breadth of the LGBTQIA+ community. There’s so much to listen to right now! —Maulik Pancholy, author of

Evil Eye

Madhuri Shekar

Madhuri Shekar keeps you hanging by a thread with all the twists and turns in her Audible Original. It was inspiring to hear a show steeped in South Asian culture and voiced by a wonderful cast of South Asian American actors, many of whom are friends.

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Maulik Pancholy is an award-winning actor and YA writer known for heartfelt stories featuring the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Big Lie

John Mankiewicz, Jamie Napoli, Paul Jarrico

This was a great listen, especially as I was crafting my own murder mystery. It’s alarmingly topical, with a cast of actors like Jon Hamm and David Strathairn (who wouldn't want to listen to them?!). It moves deftly between comedy and suspense. Season 2, The Big Fix, just came out!

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Wonder

R. J. Palacio

It's a classic! As a middle-grade author myself, this story of finding your place in the world has been an inspiration in my own writing. You will root for Auggie Pullman with all your heart as he comes into his own.

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Incense and Sensibility

Sonali Dev

A fun play on a classic romance novel, but this time, in a high-stress Indian American world. My mom and sister turned me on to this one (the family that listens together...☺️), and it’s made me a fan of Sonali Dev’s writing and Soneela Nankani’s cheeky voice.

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Finding Fire Island

Jess Rothschild & Broadway Podcast Network

Fire Island holds an important place in my heart. It’s where I met my husband! This podcast delves into the magical history of the island and what it has meant to the LGBTQIA+ community for decades. Jess Rothschild is a very compelling host, and the interviews range from thoughtful to hilarious.

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Murder at the Patel Motel